Delhi/Rajastan - 12 nights in November

Mellow · Sep 26th, 2007, 22:05

Hello. Myself and my husband have just started planning an itinerary for a trip to India in November. I'm not sure what we could fit in with the time we have (12 nights) and so far have 2 very rough itineraries. Please could you help me decide?
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Delhi
2. Delhi-Varannasi-Agra-Jaipur-Jaisalamer-Kalka-Simla-Delhi
Thank you!

karuna · Sep 26th, 2007, 22:47

The former. The second one is too ambitious in the time you have. You could do it if you cut out Jaisalmer and even better if you include a flight Delhi - Varanasi or Varanasi - Delhi.

These threads will give you an idea of what's possible:

3 weeks in North India - so many places so little time!

delhi-rajasthan round trip

17 days North India in October

delhi, golden triangle, amritsar, wagah, shimla, varanasi - best route?

Mellow · Sep 26th, 2007, 23:06

Thanks for your help, I'll check the links out in a mo.

Good idea - Delhi to Varannasi by plane. How long should we spend in Varannasi? 2 days ok?

Have you been on the Kalka-Simla Toy Train before? I thought it might add some scenic variation to the trip.

karuna · Sep 27th, 2007, 03:36

With two days in Varanasi you'd see the major sights. It does benefit from a longer stay but then so many places do!

Yes, I did the Kalka-Shimla journey, it's a pleasant way to spend the early morning, lovely views- and food! Bit cold so bring warm clothes.

I'm going to go and watch Heroes now and think about this one. I love planning. Even when it isn't for me!

teaksisu · Sep 27th, 2007, 06:22

I'm doing a similar trip to option 1. If you go with this, consider the following:

Delhi-Agra-Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Jaipur-Delhi

By moving Jaipur to end of trip you can better utilize overnight trains and also breaks up longer trip.

Mellow · Sep 27th, 2007, 09:06

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

We'd really like to see Jaisalamer and I don't think we could do Varanassi, Jaisalamer AND Kalka-Shimla... so maybe we should miss off Kalka-Shimla?

We arrive late on Wed 7th in New Delhi and have to plan around the fact that we want to see the Taj for sunrise (the idea would be to stay in Agra the night before and get up at 5am..) and Fridays are closed...

How about we spend 2 nights in Delhi - which gives us time to look around Delhi on the 8th - on the 9th get the OT train to Varanassi, spend 2 nights there (10th and 11th), on 12th get an early flight back to Delhi and then take an afternoon train to Agra, get in a good sleep/get up for sunrise and spend half/full day in Agra on 13th, then fit in Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Jaipur. On the 19th get up early and head back to New Delhi for 11pm flight!!

teaksisu · Sep 27th, 2007, 09:52

Hi Mellow...you probably won't like my advice now but I think when you look back on trip you will appreciate.

I haven't been to India yet but have been planning a nearly identical trip to you for the last several months. I would cut Varanasi and focus your time on Rajasthan. You have a limited number of days and I think you could get much more out of your trip by not running around so much.

When you start booking trains, etc it will make more sense. You don't want to end up doing an overnight train/bus every other day for your whole trip.

If you want more info about the itinerary I put together, let me know. good luck!

incitatus · Sep 27th, 2007, 09:53

Mellow- my advice is not to bother with the early flight to Delhi and the train to Agra.
There's a daily train Varanasi to Agra the Marudhar Exp which leaves
Varanasi at 17.20 or 18.15 (Depending on the day)arriving Agra Fort next morning at 06.21hrs.
Missing an evening in Varanasi will be no loss and saving the hassle of airport transfers and such would be worthwhile.
You could then get your Agra sightseeing done,overnight if you MUST see the Winter sunrise at the Taj (which is magical) then set off for Jaipur by train or bus in the late morning or afternoon.
You could easily arrive in Jaipur in time for the overnight train to Jaisalmer which leaves just before midnight.

Mellow · Sep 27th, 2007, 10:40

Now I'm wondering if Varansi is worth the journey time if I only have one night there! Yes, teaksisu I'd love to see your itinerary!

Incitatus - do you mean the winter sunrise is magical or just that the Taj is magical? I think the light would be good if we get in at 6am - and we can avoid queuing!

Incitatus - if we went straight from Agra-Jaipur-Jaisalmer, in which order should I fit in Udaipur and Jodphur before heading back to Delhi or is your idea to miss them out?

I thought the idea of the long journey last Jaisalmer-Jaipur-Delhi (after Agra-Udaipur-Jodphur) last was good?

Thanks!

teaksisu · Sep 27th, 2007, 10:55

Mellow...here's my plan, I have a few more days than you but something similar should work:

Day 1: Arrive Delhi (sleep delhi)
Day 2: Delhi (sleep delhi)
Day 3: Morning train to Agra, see taj and red fort, evening car to Bharatpur in time for 19:00 overnight train to Udaipur (Mewar express)
Day 4: Arrive Udaipur 7am, day in Udaipur (sleep udaipur)
Day 5: Udaipur (sleep udaipur)
Day 6: Around udaipur (sleep udaipur)
Day 7: Leave morning with private car to Jodhpur (stop in Ranakpur/Kumalgargh on the way), arrive jodhpur late afternoon (sleep jodhpur)
Day 8: Jodhpur, merengargh fort (sleep jodhpur)
Day 9: Morning train to Jaisalmer, arrive around 13:00 (there is also overnight from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer arriving around 6am) (sleep jaisalmer)
Day 10: Jaisalmer, afternoon camel safari (sleep camel)
Day 11: Morning camel safari, return to Jaisalmer afternoon (sleep jaisalmer)
Day 12: Jaisalmer (sleep jaisalmer)
Day 13: Jaisalmer (overnight train to Jaipur)
Day 14: Jaipur (sleep jaipur)
Day 15: morning Jaipur, afternoon train to Delhi, midnight flight home

Hope this is helpful. Suggestions to fit in 12 days: by using overnight train to JSM instead of day train, cutting camel safari, going directly from udaipur to jodhpur, taking 1 day off of udaipur, or skipping jaipur and going straight from jaisalmer to delhi. i'm curious what you decide to go with.

Also - a word of warning...some of the trains, hotels are really starting to book up (especially if you are picky on train class or heritage hotels)

Mellow · Sep 27th, 2007, 11:04

Great itinerary, thanks. Right, I am about to plan again now... will post my ideas in a mo.. Yes, we need to get moving. I understand you can only pre-book 4 tickets in any one month?

Mellow · Sep 27th, 2007, 11:28

How does this sound?

Wed 7th: Arrive Delhi (sleep Delhi)

Thurs 8th: Delhi (sleep Delhi)

Fri 9th: Train Delhi -> Agra (sleep Agra)

Sat 10th: ...Sunrise Taj & Red Fort...
Evening car Agra -> Bharatpur in time for 19:00 overnight train to Udaipur (Mewar express)

Sun 11th: Arrive Udaipur 7am. Day in Udaipur (sleep Udaipur)

Mon 12th: Udaipur (sleep Udaipur)

Tues 13th: Leave morning with private car Udaipur -> Jodhpur (stop in Ranakpur/Kumalgargh on the way). Arrive Jodhpur late afternoon (sleep Jodhpur)

Wed 14th: Jodhpur, Merengargh Fort (overnight from Jodhpur -> to Jaisalmer arriving around 6am) (sleep Jaisalmer)

Thurs 15th: Jaisalmer (sleep Jaisalmer)

Fri 16th: Morning camel trek (sleep Jaisalmer)

Sat 17th: Train Jaisalmer-> Jaipur (sleep Jaipur)

Sun 19th: Morning Jaipur, afternoon train to Delhi, 11.15pm flight home

...Perhaps we'll skip the camel trek and take an overnight train to Jaipur on Fri 16th...

Sep 26th, 2007, 22:05	#1
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	Delhi/Rajastan - 12 nights in November Hello. Myself and my husband have just started planning an itinerary for a trip to India in November. I'm not sure what we could fit in with the time we have (12 nights) and so far have 2 very rough itineraries. Please could you help me decide? 1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Delhi 2. Delhi-Varannasi-Agra-Jaipur-Jaisalamer-Kalka-Simla-Delhi Thank you!

Sep 27th, 2007, 09:06	#6
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	Thanks for the suggestions so far! We'd really like to see Jaisalamer and I don't think we could do Varanassi, Jaisalamer AND Kalka-Shimla... so maybe we should miss off Kalka-Shimla? We arrive late on Wed 7th in New Delhi and have to plan around the fact that we want to see the Taj for sunrise (the idea would be to stay in Agra the night before and get up at 5am..) and Fridays are closed... How about we spend 2 nights in Delhi - which gives us time to look around Delhi on the 8th - on the 9th get the OT train to Varanassi, spend 2 nights there (10th and 11th), on 12th get an early flight back to Delhi and then take an afternoon train to Agra, get in a good sleep/get up for sunrise and spend half/full day in Agra on 13th, then fit in Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Jaipur. On the 19th get up early and head back to New Delhi for 11pm flight!! Last edited by Mellow : Sep 27th, 2007 at 09:20. Reason: spelling

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Sep 26th, 2007, 22:47	#2
karuna Just a big girl with a small dream Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: A little town you've probably never heard of Posts: 2,976	The former. The second one is too ambitious in the time you have. You could do it if you cut out Jaisalmer and even better if you include a flight Delhi - Varanasi or Varanasi - Delhi. These threads will give you an idea of what's possible: 3 weeks in North India - so many places so little time! delhi-rajasthan round trip 17 days North India in October delhi, golden triangle, amritsar, wagah, shimla, varanasi - best route?

Sep 26th, 2007, 23:06	#3
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	Thanks for your help, I'll check the links out in a mo. Good idea - Delhi to Varannasi by plane. How long should we spend in Varannasi? 2 days ok? Have you been on the Kalka-Simla Toy Train before? I thought it might add some scenic variation to the trip.

Sep 27th, 2007, 03:36	#4
karuna Just a big girl with a small dream Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: A little town you've probably never heard of Posts: 2,976	With two days in Varanasi you'd see the major sights. It does benefit from a longer stay but then so many places do! Yes, I did the Kalka-Shimla journey, it's a pleasant way to spend the early morning, lovely views- and food! Bit cold so bring warm clothes. I'm going to go and watch Heroes now and think about this one. I love planning. Even when it isn't for me!

Sep 27th, 2007, 06:22	#5
teaksisu Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 34	I'm doing a similar trip to option 1. If you go with this, consider the following: Delhi-Agra-Udaipur-Jodphur-Jaisalamer-Jaipur-Delhi By moving Jaipur to end of trip you can better utilize overnight trains and also breaks up longer trip.

Sep 27th, 2007, 09:52	#7
teaksisu Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 34	Hi Mellow...you probably won't like my advice now but I think when you look back on trip you will appreciate. I haven't been to India yet but have been planning a nearly identical trip to you for the last several months. I would cut Varanasi and focus your time on Rajasthan. You have a limited number of days and I think you could get much more out of your trip by not running around so much. When you start booking trains, etc it will make more sense. You don't want to end up doing an overnight train/bus every other day for your whole trip. If you want more info about the itinerary I put together, let me know. good luck!

Sep 27th, 2007, 09:53	#8
incitatus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 207	Mellow- my advice is not to bother with the early flight to Delhi and the train to Agra. There's a daily train Varanasi to Agra the Marudhar Exp which leaves Varanasi at 17.20 or 18.15 (Depending on the day)arriving Agra Fort next morning at 06.21hrs. Missing an evening in Varanasi will be no loss and saving the hassle of airport transfers and such would be worthwhile. You could then get your Agra sightseeing done,overnight if you MUST see the Winter sunrise at the Taj (which is magical) then set off for Jaipur by train or bus in the late morning or afternoon. You could easily arrive in Jaipur in time for the overnight train to Jaisalmer which leaves just before midnight.

Sep 27th, 2007, 10:40	#9
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	Now I'm wondering if Varansi is worth the journey time if I only have one night there! Yes, teaksisu I'd love to see your itinerary! Incitatus - do you mean the winter sunrise is magical or just that the Taj is magical? I think the light would be good if we get in at 6am - and we can avoid queuing! Incitatus - if we went straight from Agra-Jaipur-Jaisalmer, in which order should I fit in Udaipur and Jodphur before heading back to Delhi or is your idea to miss them out? I thought the idea of the long journey last Jaisalmer-Jaipur-Delhi (after Agra-Udaipur-Jodphur) last was good? Thanks!

Sep 27th, 2007, 10:55	#10
teaksisu Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 34	Mellow...here's my plan, I have a few more days than you but something similar should work: Day 1: Arrive Delhi (sleep delhi) Day 2: Delhi (sleep delhi) Day 3: Morning train to Agra, see taj and red fort, evening car to Bharatpur in time for 19:00 overnight train to Udaipur (Mewar express) Day 4: Arrive Udaipur 7am, day in Udaipur (sleep udaipur) Day 5: Udaipur (sleep udaipur) Day 6: Around udaipur (sleep udaipur) Day 7: Leave morning with private car to Jodhpur (stop in Ranakpur/Kumalgargh on the way), arrive jodhpur late afternoon (sleep jodhpur) Day 8: Jodhpur, merengargh fort (sleep jodhpur) Day 9: Morning train to Jaisalmer, arrive around 13:00 (there is also overnight from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer arriving around 6am) (sleep jaisalmer) Day 10: Jaisalmer, afternoon camel safari (sleep camel) Day 11: Morning camel safari, return to Jaisalmer afternoon (sleep jaisalmer) Day 12: Jaisalmer (sleep jaisalmer) Day 13: Jaisalmer (overnight train to Jaipur) Day 14: Jaipur (sleep jaipur) Day 15: morning Jaipur, afternoon train to Delhi, midnight flight home Hope this is helpful. Suggestions to fit in 12 days: by using overnight train to JSM instead of day train, cutting camel safari, going directly from udaipur to jodhpur, taking 1 day off of udaipur, or skipping jaipur and going straight from jaisalmer to delhi. i'm curious what you decide to go with. Also - a word of warning...some of the trains, hotels are really starting to book up (especially if you are picky on train class or heritage hotels)

Sep 27th, 2007, 11:04	#11
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	Great itinerary, thanks. Right, I am about to plan again now... will post my ideas in a mo.. Yes, we need to get moving. I understand you can only pre-book 4 tickets in any one month?

Sep 27th, 2007, 11:28	#12
Mellow Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 10	How does this sound? Wed 7th: Arrive Delhi (sleep Delhi) Thurs 8th: Delhi (sleep Delhi) Fri 9th: Train Delhi -> Agra (sleep Agra) Sat 10th: ...Sunrise Taj & Red Fort... Evening car Agra -> Bharatpur in time for 19:00 overnight train to Udaipur (Mewar express) Sun 11th: Arrive Udaipur 7am. Day in Udaipur (sleep Udaipur) Mon 12th: Udaipur (sleep Udaipur) Tues 13th: Leave morning with private car Udaipur -> Jodhpur (stop in Ranakpur/Kumalgargh on the way). Arrive Jodhpur late afternoon (sleep Jodhpur) Wed 14th: Jodhpur, Merengargh Fort (overnight from Jodhpur -> to Jaisalmer arriving around 6am) (sleep Jaisalmer) Thurs 15th: Jaisalmer (sleep Jaisalmer) Fri 16th: Morning camel trek (sleep Jaisalmer) Sat 17th: Train Jaisalmer-> Jaipur (sleep Jaipur) Sun 19th: Morning Jaipur, afternoon train to Delhi, 11.15pm flight home ...Perhaps we'll skip the camel trek and take an overnight train to Jaipur on Fri 16th...